There’s a reason writer Jack London put down roots in Glen Ellen—and this fall, staff and volunteers at the eponymous park came up with a fun way to remind us of the beauty of our Sonoma County backyard while getting our circulation going.
The WILD Trail Challenge includes five hikes spread over five consecutive Saturdays, beginning September 7 and ending October 5. Complete them all to be part of an admirable group that can say they have explored every trail in Jack London State Historic Park.
But that’s not the only benefit nature lovers can look forward to. In addition to a history lesson and a first look at the beauty of the park, which offers breathtaking views in the fall, hikers can also expect a fun fitness challenge.
“The hiking routes were selected so that participants can experience a gradual increase in hiking time and difficulty,” said Ciara Pegg, tour coordinator and visitor services officer at Jack London State Historic Park. “Each hike focuses on a different region of the park, offering unique historical and natural highlights along the way.”
The idea for the WILD Trail Challenge came from Malcolm Walter, chairman of Jack London Park Partners, the nonprofit that operates and funds the park. When he and his wife moved to Glen Ellen, they purchased the house where Jack and Charmian London lived for five years while they prepared Beauty Ranch, now Jack London State Historic Park, as their permanent home.
“The park was our favorite place to hike, but we were guilty of hiking the same two or three trails over and over again,” Walter said. “When I took over as president, I grabbed a trail map and decided I needed to explore every trail in the park.”
After thorough research, Walter mapped and completed a handful of trails of varying lengths covering all of the park’s trails. One day, the park’s executive director, Matt Leffert, accompanied him on one of the trails and the idea of offering the challenge to the public was born.
Walter will lead the first three hikes (September 7, 14, and 21), with the others being led by park staff and volunteers. Hiking shoes and plenty of water are a must to participate.
For anyone unsure of their physical ability, Pegg says the first two hikes will give a good idea of the hiking pace they plan to go at. Each hike will be accompanied by several park volunteers. If a participant wants to turn around or shorten the trip, volunteers will guide them back to the parking lot.
Outdoor enthusiasts can sign up for any number of the hikes individually or do them all. The cost for each hike is $15, or you can sign up for all five hikes for $60 before Sept. 7. The cost of the hike series does not include the park’s daily fee of $10 per vehicle.
All hikes except the third in the series (the Historic Orchard hike on September 21) begin at the Jack London State Historic Park Ranch parking lot (turn right after the entrance kiosk). The Historic Orchard hike begins at the Sonoma Developmental Center, in the main campus parking lot at the corner of Arnold Drive and Harney Street.
The WILD Trail Challenge 2024
Hike 1: Historic hiking trails
7 September, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This hike explores the park’s trails and historic sites, including Beauty Ranch, London Lake, and the Wolf House ruins. Rated as an easy to moderate hike (about 3.5 miles round trip).
Hike 2: Ancient Redwood
14 September, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Stroll through the redwoods and sunlit oak forests of the park’s three Bridge Trails (Upper, Lower, and Fallen). The hike leads to the park’s ancient redwood, also known as the Grandmother Tree. Rated as a moderate hike (approximately 5.7 miles round trip).
Hike 3: Historic Orchard
21 September, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Stroll along the blue shores of Fern Lake before reaching the park’s historic orchard. Learn the history of the park’s 110 acres of apple, pear, apricot, peach, cherry and plum trees, mostly planted in the early 1900s. Rated as a moderate to difficult hike (about 5.5 miles round trip).
Note: The walk begins at the Sonoma Developmental Center, 15000 Arnold Drive, in the main campus parking lot at Arnold Drive and Harney Street.
Hike 4: The Ridge
28 September, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
On this hike, you’ll gain elevation and appreciate the park’s diverse habitats, as well as explore a portion of the ever-growing Bay Area Ridge Trail. Rated as a moderate to difficult hike (approximately 8.5 miles round trip).
Hike 5: The Summit
October 5, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Complete the hiking series with a hike to the top of the park. Rated as a difficult hike (approximately 8 miles round trip).
2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, 707-938-5216, jacklondonpark.com
